What are the challenges facing Indonesia's fisheries sector? Agrinas Jaladri chief executive weighs in
Jakarta — PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara (Persero) has disclosed that Indonesia’s fisheries industry remains suboptimal despite significant untapped potential, with several critical issues requiring attention.
Kharisma Febriansyah, chief executive director of Agrinas Jaladri, stated that Indonesia’s fisheries sector has not reached its potential. Notably, two-thirds of Indonesia’s territory comprises maritime waters and should serve as a major fishing ground. He highlighted that the condition of fishing vessels remains a primary concern, with the majority still operating wooden boats.
“Our fisheries ought to be performing exceptionally well, as two-thirds of our territory is ocean containing high-value fish. Unfortunately, Indonesia’s fisheries utilisation remains suboptimal because nearly 90 per cent of fishing boats in Indonesia are made of wood, making it quite difficult for fishermen to catch high-quality fish,” Kharisma stated during a media gathering and iftar dinner on Thursday, 13 March 2026.
Currently, fish quality in Indonesia remains at grade C, indicating lower standards and a substantial gap from reaching grade A quality standards.
“Fish quality exists at three levels: grade A, the highest; grade B; and grade C. In Indonesia, quality for domestic consumption remains at grade C, whereas export-quality fish has already reached grade A,” Febriansyah added.
Beyond fishing vessel quality, human resource quality also influences outcomes, as fishermen’s welfare remains far from adequate standards.
“Human trafficking issues constitute a problem. Why does human trafficking exist? Because they lack adequate housing and earn minimal wages as boat crew members,” he explained.
Consequently, he endorsed the government’s measures, specifically President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to enhance Indonesia’s fisheries quality. Agrinas Jaladri commits to developing an integrated national fisheries ecosystem through collaboration with various stakeholders.
Under the concept “From Ocean Potential to National Strength,” strengthening the fisheries sector extends beyond economic concerns, representing part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to reinforce food security and human resource quality.
During the occasion, management also outlined the direction for developing an integrated fisheries ecosystem spanning the entire value chain, encompassing strengthening of capture fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing, and logistics systems.
Puput Prihadi, director of strategy, business, and risk management at Agrinas Jaladri, further emphasised that developing a robust fisheries ecosystem requires synergy among multiple stakeholders.
“We believe Indonesia’s fisheries resource potential can be optimally managed through an integrated and sustainable approach. Collaboration with various stakeholders constitutes an essential element in ensuring information regarding the company’s strategic measures can be communicated transparently to the public,” Puput stated.